The entire kingdom glowed with golden light. Silk banners swayed in the wind, and thousands of lanterns floated above the palace, painting the night sky in hues of red, orange, and silver. The palace courtyard bustled with music, laughter, and celebration.
Inside her chamber, Xiaoxi was dressing in the gown the Empress had personally gifted her. A flowing silk robe embroidered with lotus flowers, with delicate pearls lining the edges. Her hair was adorned with tiny crystal pins that shimmered under the lantern light.
When she finally stepped out, the courtyard seemed to pause. Conversations stilled. Laughter died down. All eyes turned toward her.
But none stared harder than Haoran.
For the first time, the composed Crown Prince's gaze faltered. His breath caught in his throat. Xiaoxi looked like a goddess descended into the mortal world, her every step graceful, her smile radiant.
Grandma (elbowing the Empress, whispering): "Aiyaa, look at our little chatterbox… tonight she's a fairy."
Empress (softly smiling): "She outshines even the lanterns."
Lianhua (clapping excitedly): "Brother won't survive tonight!" 🤭
And indeed, he didn't. Haoran walked to Xiaoxi as if pulled by an invisible string. Without a word, he offered his hand.
Haoran (low, steady): "Dance with me."
Xiaoxi blinked, startled. "Me? But I—"
Before she could finish, he gently tugged her into the open courtyard where musicians played.
The music swelled.
Xiaoxi moved as if born for the rhythm, her steps light, her sleeves flowing like water. Nobody had known she could dance—graceful yet mischievous, elegant yet free. Haoran followed her lead, their movements syncing perfectly, their eyes never leaving each other.
The crowd clapped and cheered, enchanted. But the world had already disappeared for the two of them.
By the end of the song, Haoran's hand lingered firmly on her waist, his eyes burning.
Haoran (whispering, voice rough): "Xiaoxi… I can't—"
Before she realized it, he had caught her wrist, pulling her swiftly away from the crowd. Through quiet corridors, past glowing lanterns, until they reached his private chamber.
He closed the door behind them.
Xiaoxi (nervous, stammering): "F-Frog Prince, what are you—"
Haoran didn't answer. His eyes were dark, his breathing unsteady. He backed her against the wall, his hand brushing her cheek.
Haoran (low, husky): "Do you know what you do to me, little pufferfish?"
Xiaoxi's heart thundered. He leaned closer, lips nearly brushing hers, his hand sliding down to her wrist, then her waist. She stumbled back, but he followed, guiding her gently yet firmly until she fell against the bed.
For a heartbeat, the world stopped—his shadow loomed over her, his lips just inches away.
Xiaoxi's eyes widened. Suddenly, reality struck. She pushed him hard on the chest, her voice trembling but firm.
Xiaoxi: "No way! That's… that's wrong. We're not married."
Haoran froze. Silence filled the room. His chest rose and fell as he tried to calm himself. Then slowly, he stepped back, running a hand through his hair.
Haoran (exhaling, voice rough but steady): "You're right."
A heavy silence lingered. Xiaoxi sat up, hugging her knees, still breathless. Haoran looked at her, his eyes still dark but softer now.
And then, with startling calm, he said—
Haoran (serious, unwavering): "Then let's get married."
The words hung in the air like thunder.
Xiaoxi gasped, eyes widening.
Outside, the lanterns floated higher, glowing brightly—as if the heavens themselves were celebrating the spark that had just ignited inside the Crown Prince's chamber.